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Throughout our stay in Scotland’s hippest city, Edinburgh, the thing that made the biggest difference in our day to day itinerary was how fantastically walkable it is. Of course, that’s assuming that you’re staying in the right spot — which is where I come in.
There are tons of hotels and apartment rentals to choose from in Edinburgh, but if you want something that suits your hospitality needs, is a beautiful environment and is also centrally located, then you’ve come to the right place.
You’ll enjoy your trip to Edinburgh so much more if visiting every little site on your bucket list doesn’t require an Uber ride — trust me. Read on to find out where to stay in Edinburgh.
But first, let’s take a look at this map of Edinburgh below marked up with my favorite things to do in the city (yellow), favorite foodie destinations (teal) and of course my favorite design hotels (maroon).
This will give you a better idea of where popular attractions and things to do are located so you can orient yourself. You’ll see the top 5 hotels listed in this post are all centrally located and provide easy access to the heart of Edinburgh.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh for Design Lovers
EDEN LOCKE
Eden Locke is an “aparthotel” centrally located in Edinburgh’s New Town. We spent a couple of nights at this trendy spot and loved every design detail, from the floor to ceiling windows that bring in tons of light to the muted pastel palette throughout the property.
Eden Locke is an ideal spot for those that want more of that apartment feel — each room comes with a couch and seating area as well as a full kitchen.
For lovers of modern design, affordable prices and a trendy vibe, Eden Locke is the place to book. Bonus: Sites like the Stockbridge Market, Circus Lane, Edinburgh Gin and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery can all be easily accessed on foot from Eden Locke.
In Edinburgh’s Old Town is the cutest little Airbnb that literally had our jaws dropping to the floor from the moment we stepped inside. The vibe here is very French country chic and we quickly made ourselves right at home.
No little touches were spared — from market bags and sweet treats in the kitchen to little toiletries set on the beds upon our arrival, the hosts of No. 28 really know how to make their guests feel at home.
The best part is that from this apartment it’s just a 10 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and many of the Old Town’s historic sites.
One of our favorite coffee shops of the trip, Thomas J Walls is also conveniently located right across the street so you can fuel up with caffeine each morning before your Edinburgh adventures.
If quirky and colorful is your thing, then you’ll fall in love with the new Kimpton Charlotte Square which was recently converted from a Principal hotel.
Located in the Georgian New Town in a beautiful area filled with stunning townhouses and high-end shops, Kimpton Charlotte Square is an ideal base for exploring both the bucket list sites and also some of the city’s best eateries.
It’s also located right across the street from my other top suggestion, Eden Locke.
Just downstairs is Baba, one of the best restaurants we ate at during our entire Edinburgh stay and having the space as a convenient watering hole after exploring the best of the city is a major plus!
Any post about where to stay in Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Balmoral. While we didn’t stay here, the hotel’s 190ft clock tower is an integral part of the city skyline and the historic neo-Renaissance building has been hosting guests since the early 1900s.
The decor here is a bit more classic with true Scottish flair, so if that’s the vibe you’re looking for than make sure to check out The Balmoral.
Minimalists and design lovers will go gaga over this award winning studio space located in the Grassmarket neighborhood of Old Town.
Featuring only one simple room with clean lines and a calming color palette, Porteous’ Studio is a quiet space that won both the 2017 Edinburgh Architecture Association Small Projects Award and the 2017 Scottish Design awards for Projects under 200K.
On site guests will find Aesop bath products and other essential amenities like daily breakfast, making guests feel right at home in this peaceful studio apartment.
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